Portlaoise councillor explains sculptures at Laois GAA headquarters
'It's not reported in our history books' - teacher Cllr Tommy Mulligan
A Portlaoise sculpture that is actually the largest in Laois has been explained by a councillor and teacher who wants it to be better promoted.
Passersby might wonder what is the huge concrete frame erected near the Laois GAA O'Moore Park roundabout two years ago, but Cllr Tommy Mulligan is determined to enlighten them.
He tabled a motion to the November meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, giving the other councillors a quick history lesson in the process.
"It's a fascinating part of our history and it's not reported in our national history books. When England invaded the Laois clans fought back. After Owny O'Moore was killed there was an agreement made by the seven clans if they stopped fighting they would be transported and resettled in north Kerry. It's a great monument but a tiny amount of people know the history. Let's promote it," he said.
His motion asks Laois County Council to install signage and inscriptions on the structures to promote and generate interest as well as inform the public and tourists on their meaning.
It was seconded by Cllr Marie Tuohy.
"We should take pride in our heritage and history, for locals and tourists," she said.
Titled Protectour, the square portal and the seven pieces next to it were created by Wicklow Canadian artist James Hayes, unveiled in September 2022 - watch video of launch here.
It echoes the square shape of the historic Old Fort in Portlaoise, whilst celebrating sport and participation next to the county GAA grounds. The seven septs of Laois; O'Devoy (O'Deevy), O'Doran, O'Dowling, McEvoy, O'Kelly, O'Lalor and O'Moore were the original Gaelic clans transplanted out of Laois to Munster and Connaught.
The artwork was commissioned under the Government Per Cent for Art scheme by Laois County Council. It is made from poured polish concrete by Vincent Fitzpatrick of Uniqrete in Mountrath.
The sculpture also contains a hidden time capsule, filled by local interest groups and schools during the Covid pandemic.
Laois Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan gave good news to Cllr Mulligan in response to his motion.
"The Laois Heritage office is working with Laois Heritage Forum and Laois Heritage Society to review the existing Portlaoise Heritage Trail with a view to updating it, including options around new signage. The monument structures on Father Brown Avenue can be included in the overall consideration," he stated.